Jury considers parlour attacks

From the archive, first published Tuesday 11th Dec 2001.

A jury was expected to retire today to consider its verdict in the case of two men accused of committing a series of robberies at Oxfordshire massage parlours.

Peter Mackie, 30, and James Qualter, 34, are alleged to have robbed three parlours last December using a fake shotgun, a knife, a baseball bat and a claw hammer.

They are said to have targeted businesses used to give sexual services in Abbey Place, Oxford, London Road, Headington, and Millway Close, Wolvercote.

The trial is in its second week at Oxford Crown Court.

The jury heard there was forensic evidence which linked both men to the crimes, but they deny any involve- ment.

Mackie, of Bulan Road, Headington, and Qualter, of Harolde Close, Barton, deny aggravated burglary on December 20, and robbery and possession of an imitation firearm on December 23. They also deny attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm on December 27 in Wolvercote.

During the last raid, a visitor fought back and grabbed a balaclava that one of the raiders was wearing.

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